For families who need help purchasing school supplies:

The annual backpack distribution hosted by Hanover Township will begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8 at the Astor Avenue Community Center, 7431 Astor Ave., Hanover Park. Students in K-8 can receive a free backpack filled with school supplies while supplies last. Students must show proof of residency within Hanover Township boundaries. You can find more information here.

U-46 is among the event partners for the ninth annual Back-to-School Supply Fair at Elgin Community College on Saturday, Aug. 11. The event will begin at 9 a.m. and last until 1 p.m. (or while supplies last) in Building J at ECC, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. The event, known as Project Backpack, provides school supplies for students in need as they prepare for the upcoming academic year. Filled backpacks and supplies will be distributed at ECC on a first-come, first served basis; limit one backpack per student. Recipients of supplies must provide proof of fall 2018 registration at ECC or school enrollment in districts including U-46, D300, D301 or D20. If students cannot provide proof of enrollment, they can bring proof of residency in one of the school districts. You can find more info here.